[Sex hormone metabolism in acute systemic lupus erythematosus]

The numerous clinical and experimental data suggesting a lupus-induced modulation of sex hormones prompted the study of sex hormone metabolism in these patients. Some hormonal abnormalities were reported in female patients: a) over production of 16-alpha-hydroxylated estradiol derivatives with potent peripheral estrogenic activities; b) under production of the following androgens: testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, dihydroandrosterone, dihydroandrosterone sulfate, delta 4-androstenedione. Moreover, some observations suggest an excessive transformation of androgens into estrogens: increased oxidation of testosterone on C17, skin lesions, abnormal skin, aromatase activity responsible for estradiol synthesis.